Net Metering and Solar Energy



You cant help but get into net metering when you decide to invest in solar energy because you sometimes consume more or less than what you actually generate. When you consume less energy, your electric meter spins backward, if you use more then it goes forward.

Net metering is simply a special metering and billing agreement between you and the electric service provider. You are eligible for this if you reside in a residential area and generate some form of energy using solar, wind energy or a combination of both. It also has to be located on your premises and connected to the grid.

For this to work, you need to have a meter capable of moving in both directions. Most meters these days can do that but if your provider wants to use two meters, they will have to pay for it. However, if you enter into a time of use billing agreement, you will have to be one to buy the unit.

The net metering agreement works by letting you use the electricity you generate first before you use what you normally get from your electric service provider. Your meter should show the net which is measured as the difference between the electricity you purchased and what you actually purchased.

The benefit of the net metering system is that it allows you to store electricity when you are not there and then use it the moment you get home. Since there is a law that expands net metering, you can take advantage of it by generating electricity during peak hours and then using it during off peak periods.

Another benefit is the fact that you only pay the net electricity that you use. If you consume below the baseline, you pay less and more if you go over it. If what you use offsets what you normally get from a provider, then you will most likely pay a lower rate.

Since you entered into an agreement with your provider, you will still be billed monthly. This will state the amount of power you generated and the amount you actually consumed. On the anniversary of your agreement, you will be billed for the previous 12 months but you can also request for this on a monthly basis. Keep in mind that you will not be paid for the excess generation of electricity in a given year although some do.

If you want to use solar energy, you have to contact your electric service provider and ask if they offer net metering. When the papers are drawn up, remember that they cannot require you to pay for any meters beyond the bi-directional meter. They cannot conduct any tests or impose any requirements if it meets existing national standards for grid-interconnected systems. Lastly, you dont have to buy additional insurance or buy power from any of their affiliates.

Net metering is a policy and also an incentive when you decide to use solar energy. This is because you reduce the number of kilowatts used by your electric service provider which in turn decreases the emissions of carbon dioxide into the air.

If you happen to live in either New Jersey or Colorado, consider yourself lucky since they have the best net metering policies in the US. In fact not all states have such a policy in place for people who decide to use solar energy.




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

The Benefits Of Solar Energy
How To Conserve Solar Energy Through Your Little Ways
Countries On The Helm Of Solar Energy Technology
How Does Solar Energy Work
Solar Energy Is The Future
Things You Should Know Before Investing In Solar Energy
Solar Energy - How Does It Benefit The Agricultural Sector
Analyzing The Benefits Of Solar Energy
The History Of Solar Energy
The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
The Downsides Of Solar Energy
Arguments Against Solar Energy
Technologies For Harnessing Solar Energy
You Need A PV System To Generate Solar Energy
Using Solar Energy Goes Way Back
Net Metering And Solar Energy
You Can Have A Home Powered By Solar Energy
Facts About Solar Energy Some Things To Ponder And Why
Wind Power Vs. Solar Energy, An Even Match?
Solar Energy In Households
Solar Energy Simplified
The Future Of Solar Energy On Transportation
The Future Of Solar Energy How It Looks And How It Affects Nature




Solar Energy Products

solar-energy
Solar Energy
Solar Energy Products
Submit Your Site To The Web's Top 50 Search Engines for Free!



My Articles


How To Conserve Solar Energy Through Your Little Ways As an ordinary person who lives according to what the day..


An Overview On The Interesting Facts About Solar Energy There are lots of interesting facts about solar energy. Educating yourself..


Technologies For Harnessing Solar Energy Harnessing the suns energy efficiently is not an easy feat...



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Cashing in on solar power - Hamilton Spectator

    

CBC.ca

Cashing in on solar power
Hamilton Spectator
The micro feed-in tariff or MicroFIT program, which pays a premium price for solar energy, is prompting homeowners to eye the power potential of their roofs ...
Sparks: Solar panels add shine to community centerReno Gazette-Journal
Los Angeles Electric Rate Linked to Solar PowerNew York Times
New Jersey township completes construction of two new solar energy systemsCooler Planet
CalFinder (blog) -PR Newswire (press release) -Bizjournals.com
all 66 news articles »



Colorado Catching Up to California on Clean Energy - CleanTechnica

    

Greentech Media

Colorado Catching Up to California on Clean Energy
CleanTechnica
This clean renewable energy will grow Colorado's economy and lead to a brighter future.” Currently, Colorado's solar energy economy employs about 2500 ...
California Agrees to Allow Out-of-State Renewable Energy CreditsSolveClimate (blog)
T-RECs Invade California Energy MarketGreentech Media
SDG&E gets OK to use renewable creditsSan Diego Union Tribune
New Energy Matters (subscription) -3BL Media -BusinessWeek
all 25 news articles »